Pakistan has achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight
against child malnutrition, as the Endline Impact Evaluation of BNP conducted
by Aga Khan University (AKU) revealed substantial reductions in child stunting
and improvements in maternal and newborn health outcomes. The evaluation found
that stunting rates among beneficiary children were 22 percent lower at six
months of age and 18 percent lower at one year of age. The study also reported
a 6 percent reduction in low-birth-weight cases, an 11 percent decline in
premature births, and a 7 percent decrease in weak and vulnerable newborns.
The findings were unveiled by AKU during a session on the
Endline Impact Evaluation of the BNP held today at BISP Headquarters in
Islamabad. Speaking at the event, Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and
Social Safety, Mr. Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, termed the results a major
achievement for Pakistan’s social protection sector. He said the evaluation
demonstrates that targeted nutrition and maternal health interventions can
significantly improve child health outcomes and reduce stunting in vulnerable
communities.
Addressing participants, Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina
Khalid said the BNP holds special significance because healthy mothers and
children are essential for building a strong and prosperous nation. She stated
that the programme has reached over 4.5 million women and children across 157
districts through a nationwide network of 578 facilitation centres and 169
stabilization centres.
Senator Rubina Khalid said every improvement highlighted by
the study reflects a mother receiving better support and a child getting a
healthier start to life. She added that BISP is integrating social protection
with nutrition and health interventions to promote long-term human development
and improve the well-being of vulnerable families.
During the session, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq from the National
Commission on the Rights of Child also shared her views and emphasized the
importance of investing in children’s well-being. She stated the first 1,000
days from conception until a child’s second birthday are the most critical
period for building cognitive development, learning ability, physical health,
and future productivity.
Earlier, renowned global health expert Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta of
Aga Khan University presented the findings of the Endline Impact Evaluation and
highlighted that the BNP is making clear progress in reducing stunting and
improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Ms. Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division at
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, termed the Benazir Nashonuma Programme
a powerful model of social protection and appreciated the Government of
Pakistan’s leadership in improving the lives of millions, especially women and
children.
Secretary BISP Amer Ali Ahmad along with BISP team and
representatives of partner organizations including the WHO, WFP and UNICEF also
participated in the session.